Interview Jordan Weisman Talks Shadowrun Returns at Shacknews

[Stabwound]

I think this game has a very high chance of leading to some major butthurt when it's released. I'd like nothing more than for it to be a deep CRPG game, but I honestly don't think that's what they were planning in the first place. I'm imagining some kind of lame casual game (like Banner Saga...) but maybe they've changed focus due to the success. Who knows.

 

[General Maxson]

I think this game has a very high chance of leading to some major butthurt when it's released. I'd like nothing more than for it to be a deep CRPG game, but I honestly don't think that's what they were planning in the first place. I'm imagining some kind of lame casual game (like Banner Saga...) but maybe they've changed focus due to the success. Who knows.

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking too bro, and I don't like Banner Saga at all. He even mentions them in this Shacknews interview as a great team etc. I don't want a game like that. It's incredible that we do not now almost ANYTHING about the game, and kickstarter ends in 3 days, FFS. And I thought Fargo wasn't clear enough, but at least with him I knew for whom he intends to make the game for. So, I'm hoping some of the guys here will explain a bit how do they envision it if contrast to Wasteland 2.

 

[Morkar Left]

I can't tell you how the game is supposed to be turn out. I only have the impression that it will be similar to the snes and genesis games. Both weren't tactical tb and partybased freeroaming games. But at least the genesis version catched mostly what shadowrun is. Snes I can't comment because I have no experience with it.

Weisman said he will make it turnbased which is already a plus for me. And I'm pretty sure it will have a narration focused on a particular story. Maybe a run going wrong because your employer tricked you and now you try to look behind the facade to get your reputation/live/whatever back. This would be a typical shadowrun story. And he really wants to implement the focus on teamwork with his various "visions" of the different professions. Whatever that means... Plus I expect a good bunch of investigation because he mentioned the clue based conversation system.

For the rulesystem I suppose it will be a dumped down version of the p&p rules. And believe me, it needs to be dumped down to have a chance to get it implemented in time. How much I don't know. I hope it will not be like the snes version in this regard. The genesis version would be ok, but more would be better. In general I hope it turns out like the genesis version with tactical tb combat (he mentioned xcom) and a bigger story to tell.

It's totally up to you if you want to kickstart it. I can't say how it turns out. I gambled 30$ in and hope for the best. At least if it turns out shit, than I know that I can forget Shadowrun. There would be no second chance.

 

[General Maxson]

I can't tell you how the game is supposed to be turn out. I only have the impression that it will be similar to the snes and genesis games. Both weren't tactical tb and partybased freeroaming games. But at least the genesis version catched mostly what shadowrun is. Snes I can't comment because I have no experience with it.

Weisman said he will make it turnbased which is already a plus for me. And I'm pretty sure it will have a narration focused on a particular story. Maybe a run going wrong because your employer tricked you and now you try to look behind the facade to get your reputation/live/whatever back. This would be a typical shadowrun story. And he really wants to implement the focus on teamwork with his various "visions" of the different professions. Whatever that means... Plus I expect a good bunch of investigation because he mentioned the clue based conversation system.

For the rulesystem I suppose it will be a dumped down version of the p&p rules. And believe me, it needs to be dumped down to have a chance to get it implemented in time. How much I don't know. I hope it will not be like the snes version in this regard. The genesis version would be ok, but more would be better. In general I hope it turns out like the genesis version with tactical tb combat (he mentioned xcom) and a bigger story to tell.

It's totally up to you if you want to kickstart it. I can't say how it turns out. I gambled 30$ in and hope for the best. At least if it turns out shit, than I know that I can forget Shadowrun. There would be no second chance.

Thx bro, for answering as best as you could. I'm hoping for this too, as I liked what I saw in Sega Genesis LP here on the Codex. Do I get every ingame thing for 30$? Or is there something that I miss on, and more expensive tiers have? I don't give a crap about physical goodies, as I don't have money to even dream of higher levels, but what is important to me is that I get every ingame thing that all tiers have, even the ones that cost 10000$.

 

[Morkar Left]

General Maxson
no soundtrack, no name in the credits, no image of you as a npc, no custom player char of you, no custom asset designed by you in a mission...

but you will get the doc wagon contract ingame and this special runs which connect the snes and the genesis storyline into the game will be available for all now. Though, no real content will be missing.

 

[nihil]

Please Jaesun and nihil be a real Codex bros, and help me clear my dilemma, by explaining at least these things... I know you don't know what the game will look like but at least explain your visions and anticipations...

So, to end my rant, what will be the differences between this and Wasteland 2? Except the most obvious ones, of course...

From what I've gathered:

I think Shadowrun Returns will be something like an extensible set of missions (runs) in Seattle and another city, but with some sort of story arc running along with it. Weisman himself mentioned X-Com in a podcast, in reference to what the game will be like, and that you hire runners in preparation for each run. So I'm expecting that, but also hope (and think) there will be some form of exploration/information gathering. Probably something noir-like. It's supposed to use something like the conversation system from SNES Shadowrun, where you learn new keywords to "ask about".

As for the differences compared to Wasteland 2, first and foremost I wouldn't expect a lot of C&C. I also think there will be a lot less skill usage outside of combat, and that it won't be as much about exploring an expansive world. The actual combat sounds like it could be similar. Turn based with full party control. Guns and melee weapons.

Those are my guesses. Hope it helps.

 

[General Maxson]

Thanks bros, as all of you helped clear my old, foggy mind. Now I have a much easier time deciding.

 

[almondblight]

I think Shadowrun Returns will be something like an extensible set of missions (runs) in Seattle and another city, but with some sort of story arc running along with it.

Yeah, that was confirmed with the initial Kickstarter announcement.

Weisman himself mentioned X-Com in a podcast, in reference to what the game will be like, and that you hire runners in preparation for each run. So I'm expecting that, but also hope (and think) there will be some form of exploration/information gathering.

Yeah, there will be. Here he talks about getting information and doing the legwork:

!

As for the differences compared to Wasteland 2, first and foremost I wouldn't expect a lot of C&C. I also think there will be a lot less skill usage outside of combat, and that it won't be as much about exploring an expansive world. The actual combat sounds like it could be similar. Turn based with full party control. Guns and melee weapons.

Pretty much. Though he mentioned branching story lines, so I hope there'll be _some_ C&C. I have a feeling this could turn out to be a pretty decent game, though I don't think anyone should get their hopes up too much, especially with such a short production schedule. Still, I'm looking forward to this just as much as Wasteland 2 (maybe more), and hopefully it will pave the way for some great mods/sequels.[/quote]

 

[Tel Prydain]

I find it ironic whenever I see iPad hate in the same thread as love for a SNES or Sega game.
The Codex is a maigical place indeed.

 

[Crooked Bee]

For what it's worth, Harebrained Schemes followed us back on Twitter earlier today. Here's hoping it means they haven't forgotten about our interview, at least.

 

[Jaesun]

For what it's worth, Harebrained Schemes followed us back on Twitter earlier today. Here's hoping it means they haven't forgotten about our interview, at least. :p

 

[nihil]

I think Shadowrun Returns will be something like an extensible set of missions (runs) in Seattle and another city, but with some sort of story arc running along with it.

Yeah, that was confirmed with the initial Kickstarter announcement.

Yeah, bad wording there on my part. I was tired and edited sloppily.

I find it ironic whenever I see iPad hate in the same thread as love for a SNES or Sega game.

I will sum up the (huge) difference between iPad and SNES for you in one picture:

This is a different situation, though, since Shadowrun Returns is a turn-based game, and the target platform is PC. In relation to that, the iPad is just a similar device with a simplified and more clumsy interface.

 

[Burning Bridges]

I think this game has a very high chance of leading to some major butthurt when it's released. I'd like nothing more than for it to be a deep CRPG game, but I honestly don't think that's what they were planning in the first place. I'm imagining some kind of lame casual game (like Banner Saga...) but maybe they've changed focus due to the success. Who knows.

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking too bro, and I don't like Banner Saga at all. He even mentions them in this Shacknews interview as a great team etc. I don't want a game like that. It's incredible that we do not now almost ANYTHING about the game, and kickstarter ends in 3 days, FFS. And I thought Fargo wasn't clear enough, but at least with him I knew for whom he intends to make the game for. So, I'm hoping some of the guys here will explain a bit how do they envision it if contrast to Wasteland 2.

Thanks bros, as all of you helped clear my old, foggy mind. Now I have a much easier time deciding.

No matter what you will do in the next 3 days, Shadowrun will be a big experiment. I pledged 15$, either to support a great old school project, but also to be present for the priceless LULZ that will ensue should the game turn out to be absolute shit. Which I currently expect to be a 50/50 proposition. You seem to be a real bro when it comes to taste in games, so why don't you join, it's really worth betting the few dollars.

Have you retracted your pledge from Bannu Saga?

 

[DwarvenFood]

Thanks bros, as all of you helped clear my old, foggy mind. Now I have a much easier time deciding.

Bro, look at it this way: The project is already funded and you are not fighting for the awesome of having MCA on board or something.. There are nice projects coming up, and these people cannot into timing so you'll never know when you're gonna need the money.. You could hold on to it for the next best thing (dead state? xenonauts? obsidian?).

If you are not sure, wait for the Codex interview, and if it is too late then screw it - you can always get the game at release.


Disclaimer: I have pledged for Shadowrun.

 

[Burning Bridges]

Plus, I am quite sure they will also offer pre orders once the funding period is over, exactly like Wasteland does.

Currently, funding for WL2 is 3 million, SRR ~1.5 million, so SRR will already be successful if it's ca 50% as awesome as WL2.

 

[General Maxson]

I think this game has a very high chance of leading to some major butthurt when it's released. I'd like nothing more than for it to be a deep CRPG game, but I honestly don't think that's what they were planning in the first place. I'm imagining some kind of lame casual game (like Banner Saga...) but maybe they've changed focus due to the success. Who knows.

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking too bro, and I don't like Banner Saga at all. He even mentions them in this Shacknews interview as a great team etc. I don't want a game like that. It's incredible that we do not now almost ANYTHING about the game, and kickstarter ends in 3 days, FFS. And I thought Fargo wasn't clear enough, but at least with him I knew for whom he intends to make the game for. So, I'm hoping some of the guys here will explain a bit how do they envision it if contrast to Wasteland 2.

Thanks bros, as all of you helped clear my old, foggy mind. Now I have a much easier time deciding.

No matter what you will do in the next 3 days, Shadowrun will be a big experiment. I pledged 15$, either to support a great old school project, but also to be present for the priceless LULZ that will ensue should the game turn out to be absolute shit. You seem to be a real bro when it comes to taste in games. Why don't you join, it's really worth betting a few dollars.

Have you retracted your pledge from Bannu Saga?

No bro, I haven't, because when I first saw it I didn't like it, so I never even considered pledging. Seems too Biowhorian somehow... All joke aside, really, a game like that doesn't interest me much, graphic style is too cartoony for me (for a game, if they made a cartoon it would be ok), setting is not very exciting, and the game itself, also the dialogue system seems like mass effect style biowarian dialogue, and we already have, seems to me a much better similar game: King of the Dragon Pass... So that was a no go for me from the start, and especially now, when they announced you only get chapter 1 of 3, and XBawks.

As for the Shadowrun, yeah I will donate 99%. As it seems like a game I'd like to play, setting and everything, now, my only fear they make graphics in the style of the game they are now crunching on, I don't want that, and hope it will be more like Sega Genesis and SNES style. I still have some girlfriend ass kissing to do though.

You know, bro, here where I live good salaries are around 600 Euro, and prices of food and clothes are about like in Germany, and I have to be very picky about what games I fund, as really even a 15$ is a quite substantial amount of money.

 

[General Maxson]

And I always prefer futuristic setting, be it postapoc, or cyberpunk, or standard sc-fi, and firearms, than swords and medieval. Always have, don't know why, though.

 

[Burning Bridges]

That's what I generally like about your posts. I avoid any unnecessary expense too, I need as much money as possible money to go on vacation trips or buy a new car, etc. Doesn't mean I am a miser. I eat out almost every second day, because I prefer to spend money on good food rather than on worthless games. If there were as many opportunities to buy good games as to buy good food, I would not hesitate to spend much more. Failure of the free market.

You should still consider Xenonauts. It's much clearer as to what it will be, and the main guy seems to be quite a smart bro.

 

[Infinitron]

Could this game end up being something like Bloodnet?

 

[General Maxson]

That's what I generally like about your posts. I avoid any unnecessary expense too, I need as much money as possible money to go on vacation trips or buy a new car, etc. Doesn't mean I am a miser. I eat out almost every second day, because I prefer to spend money on good food rather than on worthless games. If there were as many opportunities to buy good games as to buy good food, I would not hesitate to spend much more. Failure of the free market.

You should still consider Xenonauts. It's much clearer as to what it will be, and the main guy seems to be quite a smart bro.

Well I'm considering Xenonauts, Obsidian kickstarter, and perhaps Dead State. But ultimately my financial situation will decide. Also I'd like to get this adventure game: http://www.rpgcodex.net/forums/index.php?threads/stasis-an-indie-space-adventure-game.54428/

 

[Burning Bridges]

More or less the same here, with the exception of Obsidian (too vague).

And yes, I know about "Stasi-game" too

 

[General Maxson]

More or less the same here, with the exception of Obsidian (too vague).

And yes, I know about "Stasi-game" too

Well, I'm waiting for Obsidian announcement more than blindly wanting to pledge just because it's Obsidian. If they announce a game I'm not interested in, I won't pledge anyway. But if they announce something interesting it could be good to see what they can do without publisher constraint...

Anyway, Xenonauts looks really interesting, so that's probably my most realistic choice. I just fear, since they already have preorders and they probably cost more than 15$ that the lowest tier will be more than 15$ and I don't like that. And I hope they don't put ingame shit for backers only, that only the more expensive tiers will have. I hate that. And Dead State I'll wait to see more, I'm a bit disappointed by recent development (gui and art style). But Elohim said some good shit though.

Infinitron: Look at the codex LP of Sega genesis and SNES Shadowruns and you'll probably get a good perspective, I don't know about bloodnet, as I haven't played it.

 

[OSK]

where I live good salaries are around 600 Euro

That's weekly, right?

 

[General Maxson]

where I live good salaries are around 600 Euro

That's weekly, right?

Don't know if you are trolling or something, but no, of course it's not fuckin' weekly, it's monthly.

 

[OSK]

where I live good salaries are around 600 Euro

That's weekly, right?

Don't know if you are trolling or something, but no, of course it's not fuckin' weekly, it's monthly.

Nope, not trolling. Just wanting to put things in perspective.
So that's 7200 Euro a year, which is about $9500. In the US, the 2011 poverty line for an individual was $10,890.

Damn, these games are expensive for you.